The Best Day Trips From Calgary

Calgary has the best of both worlds. It is home to the city life many people crave, but it’s also close to both the Alberta Badlands and Canadian Rockies — two very different Canadian landscapes. Keep reading to discover the 10 best day trips from Calgary in Alberta.

Banff

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Drumheller

Museum, Park

Heading east of Calgary, visitors will find the Alberta Badlands and Drumheller, the world’s dinosaur capital. Learn more about its past at the world-renowned Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology, and the Fossil World Dinosaur Discovery Centre. Explore the Badlands at Drumheller’s nearby natural attractions, such as Horsethief Canyon, the Hoodoos, Horseshoe Canyon, and Midland Provincial Park. Don’t leave Drumheller without getting a selfie with the world’s largest dinosaur too!

Edmonton

Amusement Park, Aquarium, Park

Three hours north of Calgary is Alberta’s capital, Edmonton. Wake up early and be in Edmonton in time for breakfast. One of the city’s biggest attractions is West Edmonton Mall, which is North America’s largest mall. Inside visitors will find Marine Life aquarium, World Waterpark, mini golf, and Galaxyland amusement park, plus 800 stores and services. To make the most of your day trip, do a fun city tour to see as much as possible in limited time.

Okotoks

Okotoks is a small town just 18 kilometres (11 miles) south of Calgary. Its landmark is Big Rock, a glacial erratic, which means it’s “a rock transported far from its place of origin by glacial ice.” This was the inspiration behind Big Rock Brewery’s name, one of Canada’s more popular craft brews. There are also plenty of restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and annual festivals to keep you occupied in the Okotoks.

Eau Claire Distillery

Brewery, Distillery

Located less than an hour’s drive south of Calgary, Eau Claire Distillery was Alberta’s first craft distillery. Housed in Turner Valley’s former Movie Theatre and Dance Hall, the distillery has certainly made a name for itself. Their award-winning spirits are made farm-to-glass using traditional methods. Eau Claire is also a certified farm distillery, so customers can be assured they’re sipping the best spirits. Visit by yourself, or do the Spirit of Alberta Tasting Tour, where it’s the final stop.

Lake Louise

Natural Feature, Park

Lake Louise is a world-renowned destination in Banff National Park. Although the turquoise, glacial-fed lake is stunning and worth the visit alone, there’s so much more to this little hamlet. Firstly, Fairmont Château Lake Louise and its castle-like exterior is located directly on the lakefront. Most rooms, and the exquisite restaurant, include lake views. Lake Louise Ski Resort is also one of North America’s largest ski areas. Nearby you will find Moraine Lake too, which is known for its intense turquoise colour.

Dinosaur Provincial Park

Park

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, Dinosaur Provincial Park is a great day trip option from Calgary. The park is well-known for being one of the world’s richest dinosaur fossil locations. Popular activities around Dinosaur Provincial Park include camping, hiking and exploring the barren Alberta Badlands, and participating in your very own dinosaur dig.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Park, Natural Feature

A slightly longer day trip from Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park is definitely worth the early wake-up call. It’s the world’s only park to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, and International Peace Park. Spend your day participating in a water-based activity on the lake; hike up to Bear’s Hump for a terrific view over the Waterton township; chase some waterfalls; and visit the Prince of Wales Hotel (the park’s most recognised landmark today).

Canmore

Located 81 kilometres (50 miles) from Calgary, Canmore is sometimes overlooked for the more popular Banff. However, its location within the Canadian Rockies means it offers the same adventurous activities as its northern counterpart. Explore the picturesque downtown area and enjoy a brewery or walking food tour, or venture outside of Canmore to Kananaskis Country and beyond. Hiking, biking, shopping, horseback riding, golfing, rafting, and cross country skiing are all activities to be enjoyed in Canmore.

About the author

Hayley Simpson

Writer

I'm an Australian freelance writer and travel blogger. I was born in Perth, grew up in Townsville and currently live in Melbourne. I write about my worldwide solo travel adventures and my former expat life in Canada on my blog, Hayley on Holiday (hayleyonholiday.com).